Waco University freezes out Lake Belton, 4-1

February 20, 2025

By Tony Adams

Belton Journal

Following an 8-0 win at Waco High, the Lake Belton Broncos girls’ soccer team had a bit of a schedule shift, as their Tuesday game was shifted from 7:15 pm to 5:30 pm.

When the teams arrived at Bronco Field, the Broncos and Waco University Lady Trojans girls’ soccer teams began warmups as usual.

Fifteen minutes from the 5 pm start time, the winds began to howl from the north, and 55 degrees became 40 degrees by game time.

To the dismay of the Broncos, University’s offense swept in as well, as the Trojans scored twice in 3:04 span within the first nine minutes.

Lake clipped the lead in half, but pulled no closer as the Trojans defeated the Broncos, 4-1.

“The storm system came in earlier than expected, and that changed the game a lot,” Lake Belton head coach Jamie Tibbetts. “However, it is not an excuse. We let them put two in early, and they were very sloppy goals on our part. Both teams had to play in it. University came ready to play; we did not.”

Goals by University came with 34:08 and 31:04 to play in the first half.

“That changed the momentum of the game,” Tibbetts said. “We had our heads down fast.”

Playing the first half with the wind at their backs, the Broncos had several scoring chances, with most going to the left or right of goal. Lake kept the shots below the shoulders, knowing the 35 miles-perhour wind gusts would lift the ball above goal.

The Broncos began to penetrate center field above the goal box, moving the ball with success and pace. Clara Hill deposited the ball into the lower right corner of the goal to get the Broncos on the board.

Meanwhile, Aubrey Yeager, Elizabeth Gudgen, and Bennett Burdine stopped several Lady Trojan opportunities through the remainder of the game. University led at halftime, 2-1.

“We have been playing Aubrey in the field a little bit, so it gave the girls some opportunities,” Tibbetts said.

University had the wind at its back in the second half, and deposited goals at the 25:10 and 17:34 marks to lift their advantage to three at 4-1.

Hill, Parker Ling, Evelyn Bragewitz, Teagan Pettyjohn, Mikaela Ebbers. Audrey Mughelli and Allyson McClanahan were amongst the Broncos putting pressure on the Lady Trojans in the midfield and the offensive zone.

Lake Belton (4-8-1 overall) will host Killeen Chaparral Friday at 7:15 pm at Bronco Field, before they head to Wilson Kerzee Field in a rematch against the Belton Lady Tigers on Tuesday.

“We need to work on our mental toughness,” Tibbetts said. “We must be mentally tough to play in any weather. It is as cold for the other team as it is for us.”